Today we will discuss the magnificent mansion of the first guild merchant Gavriil Aslanovich Tarasov, located on Spiridonovka Street. Its exterior largely resembles the famous Palazzo Thiene, built in the 16th century. Interestingly, the author of the Italian prototype of the Moscow mansion from the early 20th century was the outstanding architect Andrea Palladio, known worldwide in the art community. It is no surprise that merchant Tarasov, possessing good aesthetic taste, decided to commission a mansion with such an interesting design.

The project was undertaken by the renowned Russian architect of Polish descent Ivan Vladislavovich Zholtovsky, who made some changes to the design. He indeed used Palazzo Thiene as a basis but noticeably increased the height of the first floor. In other respects, Zholtovsky achieved maximum similarity to the original.

Unfortunately, Gavriil Aslanovich did not live to see his new home, as he passed away during the construction phase. After the work was completed, the mansion passed to his sons. However, they too could not fully enjoy their property, as the country underwent significant changes, and the new authorities confiscated the Tarasov family's assets.

In the following decades, the mansion suffered greatly. Before the war, it belonged first to the Supreme Court of the USSR and then to the embassy of the Third Reich. Here, mass sentences were handed down in political cases during the years of Stalin's terror, and discussions were held regarding friendly relations between Nazi Germany and the USSR. After 1945, the building housed the Polish embassy, and since 1979, it has been home to the Institute for African Studies. During this time, the exterior and interior of the house have changed, but much has been preserved.